Authentication and efficient monitoring of remote users during creation of high-value electronic documents

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus for the effective authentication and efficient monitoring of remote examinees during examination periods are disclosed.

1 . A method for authentication and efficient monitoring of a remote examinee during creation of a high-value electronic document for a computer-based examination, the method comprising:
 (a) prior to start of the examination, capturing authentication data by a test-taking computer of the examinee; wherein the authentication data includes (i) a digital photo of the examinee and (ii) a digital photo of a photo identification (ID) showing the examinee;   (b) transmitting the captured authentication data to an authority for the examination for verification;   (c) during the examination, capturing proctoring data by the test-taking computer of the examinee at random time intervals, wherein the proctoring data includes (i) plural still-image captures of the computer desktop of the examinee's test-taking computer; and, (ii) plural photos of the examinee and the examinee's physical environment for taking the examination; wherein the examinee's test-taking computer is equipped with a camera for capturing the still images, and   (d) transmitting the proctoring data to a designated server of the examining authority for review.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising making a video on the test-taking computer during the examination. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein no video is made on the test-taking computer during the examination. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 recording continuous or intermittent video using a video-capable camera of the test-taking computer. 
 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 storing the recorded video as one or more electronic files only locally on the test-taking computer, and keeping the stored video file there unretrieved for a designated period of time.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (b) is carried out after the examination has finished. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (d) is carried out during the examination.